SCAM LIBRARY · PHISHING & LINKS
The fake census / survey call
Scammers call claiming to be from a government census or survey, then ask you for personal details like your Social Security number or bank information.
Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-07
How it works
You receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to represent an official government agency or research organization. They sound professional and may reference a real agency name to build trust. They create a sense of urgency or obligation—suggesting you're required to participate or that your response is needed right away—then gradually ask for increasingly sensitive information.
What it can look like
You get a call from someone saying they're conducting a 'mandatory government survey' and need to verify your identity. They ask for your date of birth, then your Social Security number 'to complete the records.' A real government agency would never call you first asking for this information unprompted.
Red flags
- An unexpected call claiming to be from a government agency or official survey
- The caller asks for your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information over the phone
- They create pressure by saying the survey is 'mandatory' or your response is 'required by law'
- They won't provide a clear callback number or agency address you can independently verify
- They get defensive or evasive when you ask questions or say you want to verify their identity first
What to do
- Hang up immediately. Real government agencies do not call you first asking for personal information by phone.
- If you're curious whether a survey is legitimate, end the call and contact the agency directly using a phone number from their official website—not one the caller provides.
- Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.